Hi everyone, I have joined as I have just lost xx pounds on online roulette today, this takes my losses in 8 months to xx pounds, I am a factory worker earning 250 a week although I used to earn more than that. The question I would like to ask members is, is there a link with depression, low self esteem, etc and gambling? I was fine 'til the break up of my marriage, now I feel so down and alone that I use gambling to cheer me up, at first that is what it did as I was successful but not any more, at this moment I feel that I have very little to live for but I've just had another big loss, I hope this feeling goes away in time, it is quite frightening, I feel that I am better having no money as any money I have I lose. I wish I had discovered this site earlier as I could have saved a fortune with gamblock, easy in hindsight, after reading members stories I realise that I am not alone with my gambling problem as opposed to my personal problems. No one who knows me has a clue about this and everbody thinks I'm such a nice and intelligent guy, when really I am a fraud, a loser and an idioit, I have just discovered this site and hopefully I can read that there is light at the end of the tunnel albeit it's a very long scary tunnel, sorry if this email sounds very depressing, I now understand how America has banned online gambling, Britain should do it too * , time to shut up, once again sorry for the depressing tone of this post.
Hi Callie,
It’s rubbish when you’ve had another loss and you start calculating how much you’ve gambled away.. But you’ve joined this site which is a positive thing.
Perhaps you should call Gamcare, the lines are open until midnight. They can refer you for free counselling which may help you.
Good luck
Hi buddy,
If you think you're the first person to feel so low over gambling you're mistaken. You are not alone. I can tell you from my experience that these terrible lows do pass. You're brain will tell you otherwise. You've taken the first step seeking help. Gambling. I share your problem. I've been single for 8 years and struggle with chronic depression. It's depression that leads me to gamble when I'm having suicidal thoughts. I'm certain there must be a connection. We have to somehow learn new coping strategies. Many do stop gambling, we have to discover their secrets.
Stuart
Dear @calliefrance ,
I am concerned that in your post you said that you felt you had ‘very little to live for’ after a recent lapse. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel frightened and alone. It is sometimes easier to speak to a stranger then people we know.
To answer your question, yes there is a link between gambling and depression. Many people gamble to switch off from difficult emotions and thoughts. Unfortunately gambling will just make these feelings worse because of the financial and emotional and mental health losing and chasing losses can cause. A divorce is very painful, and it is a natural reaction to want to switch off from that pain and trying to find something that helps with that. However it is important to search for things that won't harm you.
Please call our Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or the Netline for a one-to-one live chat to get some support, advice on strategies and maybe also discuss one-to-one treatment. I would also strongly recommend you speak to your GP about how you have been feeling. And you can also talk to the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.
You are not alone, support is out there. Change is possible, you've made a good start today.
Wishing you all the best,
Forum Admin
I am the same as you. I suffered with anxiety/depression and an eating disorder. I do not anymore but I get anxiety the next day when I gamble. At first I won which is what hooked me. Now I have lost so much money and I hate myself the next day, I feel so guilty and so anxious. The way I feel the next day isn’t worth it and I say I won’t do it again but I do. I usually do it when I am drinking and nothing else matters, I loose control. Spend everything I have. Nothing matters at the time because “next 25 pound will win” it’s horrendous. I even tried gamban but I got around that.
Also if you ever want someone to talk to about everything, to speak with someone who understands when you are feeling low please ask me. I will happily give you my contact details
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
